Viagra is one of the most popular drugs in the U.S.

Viagra (sildenafil citrate) was the first drug to work against erectile dysfunction. Since Pfizer released the drug in 1998, the “little blue pill” was quickly regarded as a miracle drug for millions of men who suffered sexual dysfunction.

However, as is the case with most pharmaceutical products, Viagra comes with side effects, with the most serious being melanoma skin cancer.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer, and is triggered from melanocytes (skin pigment). Its main cause appears to be the prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.

Melanoma primarily (but not exclusively) affects caucasians. If discovered and diagnosed early, melanoma has a high chance of being completely removed from the body and the patient cured.

If not, melanoma can prove deadly, spreading itself in all areas of the body. Although it occurs less often than other forms of skin cancer, melanoma is responsible for three quarters of skin cancer related deaths.

Viagra Melanoma Studies

Multiple studies have linked Viagra to a higher incidence of melanoma, which the American Cancer Society says kills roughly 8,650 Americans every year. In 2011, a study published by the journal Cancer Cell showed a higher risk of melanoma in Viagra patients, as did a study in the Journal of Cell Biochemistry in 2012. Another Viagra study conducted by Harvard researchers stated that men who use Viagra may be up to 84% more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma.

The discovery of Viagra’s link to melanoma skin cancer was published in the April 2014 edition of JAMA and according to the data, men that use Viagra, either against erectile dysfunction or to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, face a much higher risk of developing melanoma.

If you or a loved one has suffered from melanoma skin cancer, and had taken Viagra, you may be eligible to file a Viagra melanoma lawsuit or join a Viagra class action lawsuit.